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What has really got my brain rattling is the rawness and blasts of charred brilliance that creep out from behind the fuzzy and misty shroud of noise. Though at times maybe a bit too raw, the general tone is nothing worse than other demo standards. Desolate One have improved strangely in the production in some areas but fallen short in others. The drums on this demo are a bit too subdued where the debut demo they were a bit too loud. They could be slightly more
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Opener "Sepulchrum Temero" lets loose the first barrage of noise, yielding results ranging from a concussive wallop to the ultimate screaming noise solo. The track sets not just a tone for the demo but also a pace for the five new tracks. "Of Desolation" is a bit too noisy and redundant until the central section, which draws back the curtain on some night details such as the wavering guitar chords, subtle feedback and rusty dingy rehearsal room. This is the first moment on the demo where you can get a real feel for the atmosphere of the recording session - hazed and glazed with alcohol infused euphoria. But leave it to the title track to really capture all that is awesome about this demo.
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With the originals done, the demo's last track is a cover of Blasphemy's "The Desolate One." I can not lie, I was expecting them to do a Blasphemy cover and this is the perfect song (made more perfect because it's the band's namesake). You can hear their influence. In general I do like this much more than the 2009 demo. The aggression and hatred is more focused and the whole demo has a much more serious demeanor. The rawness is glorious. With two demos under their belt now, I would like to see Desolate One take a step further with their next release in the production department. Nothing polished of course, but just a bit more punch and a bit more clarity would do Desolate One wonders as long as the rawness remains. Something like the production on Bestial Warlust's releases would be perfect. Either way I am excited about another release from these guys. If they manage to get someone to release a 7" next I will be the first to buy it.
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I have attached the review from CT#1 for extra-curricular reading as well as a scan of the first demo's insert... you lucky whippersnappers you...
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